Seasonal dynamics of the clearwing moth (Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkhausen) in an intensive apple orchard

Abstract

The clearwinh moth Synanthedon myopaeformis Borkhausen, 1789 (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) is more and more important pest particulary in the orchard grafted on M9 and some other rootstocks. Attacked trees become exhausted over many years, their reproductive potential decreases and eventually they dry up, which is a big loss for plantations in intensive production that require high investments per hectare, especially if they are in full crop. During the research, the impact of three different varieties which are present in the plantation and different sampling period during the growing season on the number of clearwing moth (Synanthedon myopaeformis) was examined. The abundance of the clearwing moth was the highest in the Golden Delicious plantation, and the lowest in the Fuji plantation. In relation to the different sampling period, the maximum flight of adults was recorded during the first sampling in July, while a lower but approximately similar abundance was recorded during the second sampling in May, first, second, and the third sampling in June and the second sampling in July.